Alias, on Linthorpe Road, close to the McDonald’s, was set alight around 2am on Thursday.

Initially, one fire engine was sent to the scene after the brigade received a report of smoke coming from the building but the blaze grew to what crews described as a “large fire”, and five engines from across the area were sent to battle it.

(Image: Peter Reimann)

Cleveland Police launched an inquiry into the early hours incident on Thursday, and has now confirmed four arrests.

A force spokeswoman said: “Two men aged 30 and 21 and two women aged 20 have been arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary and currently remain in custody.”

Firefighters had to force entry to the building through the front, and then used breathing equipment, three water jets and a hydraulic platform to fight the flames.

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Middlesbrough Fire Station watch manager Alan Turner said: “The fire was confined to a single shop. Nobody was injured.

“There should be a joint police and fire investigation to try and determine the cause.”

A spokeswoman for the brigade said 95% of the ground floor was destroyed.